Dr. John R. Crawford-Spinelli

Dr. John R. Crawford–Spinelli has been Dean of Kent State University’s College of the Arts since January 2009. He holds degrees in Theatre, Dance and Dance Education and previously served at Kent State as faculty member, Director of the School of Theatre & Dance and Associate Dean. He is the current President of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans. Interdisciplinary and collaborative work continues to be his focus.

Dr. Crawford–Spinelli works with the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities and has fostered programs connecting Art, Music, Theatre, Dance and Fashion Design & Merchandising with external industry. He provides oversight for the College’s Art Gallery and Fashion School Store in downtown Kent, the Kent State University Museum and the Fashion School studio in New York City. He also is responsible for Porthouse Theatre in Summit County and the Kent/Blossom Music Festival collaboration with the Cleveland Orchestra.